Floyd Rayford
Floyd Kinnard Rayford
(Sugar Bear)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 10", Weight 195 lb.
- High School Manual Arts High School
- Debut April 17, 1980
- Final Game September 16, 1987
- Born July 27, 1957 in Memphis, TN USA
Biographical Information[edit]
Floyd Rayford was a part time catcher/third basemen who played six of his seven big league seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. Nicknamed "Honey Bear" for his barrel-chested frame, he had one excellent season with extended play, hitting .306/.324/.521 in 105 games in 1985. Rayford returned to earth in 1986, managing only a .176 average over 81 games while committing 15 errors at the hot corner. His career splits show a platoon system could have helped his performance as he struggled hitting vs righties (.219/.258/.336 in 606 PA) but hit well vs lefties (.273/.313/.468 in 509 PA).
It was said that Orioles manager Earl Weaver decided to keep Rayford on the O's opening day roster in 1980 because he had never had a player who could be used at both third base and catcher, and it opened up a whole set of possible in-game permutations for a manager who just loved to make these types of substitutions. However, it soon became apparent that Rayford was not a capable fielder at either position, and needed more minor league time anyway; he was sent back to the minors in early May after appearing in just seven games. His only other game that season was the second game of a doubleheader on October 4th, on the season's penulimate day, when he went 2 for 4 as the starting third baseman against the Cleveland Indians and collected his first career RBI.
In 1989, Rayford played for the St. Lucie Legends of the Senior Professional Baseball Association.
- 1990-1991 Coach Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons
- 1992-1995 Coach Batavia Clippers
- 1996 Manager Batavia
- 1997 Coach Piedmont Boll Weevils
- 1998 Coach Beloit Snappers
- 1999 Coach Frederick Keys
- 2000-2003 Coach Quad City River Bandits
- 2004 Coach Fort Myers Miracle
- 2005-2009 Coach New Britain Rock Cats
- 2010-2011 Coach Rochester Red Wings
Year-By-Year Minor League Managerial Record[edit]
| Year | Team | League | Record | Finish | Organization | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Batavia Clippers | New York-Penn League | 42-33 | 6th | Philadelphia Phillies |
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